School of Oriental and African Studies - Online

The largest provider of postgraduate distance learning courses in the University of London’s International Programmes.

More than 4000 students in 160 countries.

Our graduates include former PMs, Heads of State and Nobel Prize Winners

About us
Our University of London qualifications are recognised throughout the world for their high standards and are equal to those taught on campus. Established over 20 years ago, we have the experience and expertise to deliver specialised programmes designed to meet your professional needs.

All of our courses have been designed and written specifically for study by distance learners giving you the flexibility to organise study around your personal and professional commitments, and an ability to study anywhere in the world.

Students are supported throughout their studies by our support staff and a team of tutors, via an online learning environment, and a global network of professional contacts.

SOAS currently has three centres offering a range of postgraduate qualifications and free MOOCs:

Masters’s students here. Alternatively, we recommend students approach their local British Council, British High Commission or British Embassy, for information on local funding.

Dependent on nationality, employment circumstances and other factors, funding and sponsorship sources can include:

United Nations (UNESCO, FAO, UNDP, UNEP etc)

Bilateral Aid Agencies (SIDA, GTZ, etc)

European Union

British Council

UK Department for International Development / Foreign & Commonwealth Office

NGOs

Educational and other charitable trusts

Employer Sponsorship
Many organisations sponsor their employees to undertake postgraduate study, for part or all of the programme fees. SOAS is able to invoice sponsors for fees once provided with an authorised letter of sponsorship.

The sponsor's letter, on company letterhead, must confirm that the tuition fees will be paid by the organisation to SOAS and contain the following information:

Student name

Student number

Programme of study

Name of sponsor (organisation)

Address and relevant contact details of the sponsor (preferably any of the following – Executive Director of the organisation, Director of Human Resources or Director of Finance, telephone number and email)

Percentage or specified amount of the fees that the sponsor will pay.

An invoice will be sent directly to your employer/sponsor.

Part-sponsored students
If your sponsor has agreed to pay less than the full fee, or a specified percentage of the fee, please ensure this is clearly specified on the confirmation letter or purchase order.

You will be liable for the balance of the fees due and in order to complete enrolment you must pay the balance due. Please see payment page for how to pay your fees.
Non-payment by sponsor
In the event of non-payment by a sponsor by the due date of the invoice, the student will become personally liable for the payment of fees in full and the balance will be due immediately.

How to Apply
You can apply for an Online and Distance Learning programme via our online application forms: